China expels Philippine vessel attempting to intrude into Huangyan Island waters

China Coast Guard said that it expelled a Philippine government vessel which?attempted to intrude into territorial waters of Huangyan Island in the South China Sea on Friday.

Liu Dejun, a CCG spokesman, revealed in a statement that the Philippine government vessel No 3006 insisted on approaching and intruding into the territorial waters of China's Huangyan Island, ignoring multiple dissuasions and warnings from the Chinese side.

In accordance with the Chinese Coast Guard Law and relevant domestic regulations, the CCG took a series of necessary measures to drive away the Philippine vessel, according to Liu. These measures included verbal warnings, monitoring and tracking, and water cannon warnings.

Liu emphasized that the operations conducted by the China Coast Guard were professional, standardized, legitimate and lawful.

He pointed out that the actions of the Philippine side seriously infringed on China's sovereignty and violated international law and relevant Chinese laws.

While noting that frequent provocations by the Philippines cannot change the fact that Huangyan Island belongs to China, the official added that the China Coast Guard will take all necessary measures in line with the law to resolutely safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.